Blog http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:45:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Life, Unplugged? http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=1653103  Last week Terri and I sat down to put together a quick recording of the beautiful song, "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton.  We knew it would have to be extremely basic...no bells and whistles.  Just two friends sitting in the basement creating a simple, unplugged gift.  The amount of surrender on both of our parts was greater than we anticipated,and it got me thinking about what life would look like without all the "extra stuff" that can distract us from the Real Deal. Our prayer is that you listen to it with your eyes closed, and meditate on what Mary might have been feeling on her long journey.  We hope you accept our simple gift for what it is...a quiet reminder to focus on the Real Deal in the midst of wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and  long to-do lists. Have a wonderful Christmas...praying for more simplicity and clearer focus now and in 2012!
Our prayer is that you listen to it with your eyes closed, and meditate on what Mary might have been feeling on her long journey.  We hope you accept our simple gift for what it is...a quiet reminder to focus on the Real Deal in the midst of wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and  long to-do lists.

Have a wonderful Christmas...praying for more simplicity and clearer focus now and in 2012!

]]> Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:45:00 GMT 76350AFA9CA88CD9E248462C4265908D Random Thought... http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=1401369  It seems like almost every time I listen to a sermon, a new song comes to my head.  I get excited and start writing on my sermon note page.  Then I have this internal struggle, wondering if the devil is using my fractured brain  to keep me from focusing on the whole lesson, or if God is sharing His gift, and putting His word to music through me.  Maybe if I actually finished the songs, I could claim it as a special way that God uses to communicate through me.  Hmmmm...gotta work on that.

]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:36:34 GMT 3E97BA91A9ABAD95264E642A92CD93CC A Crock Pot Life http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=1323770  Whew...it has been a LONG time since I have written anything in here.  These last few months have been a whirlwind of change for me, and I am just now coming up for a breath of air before I dive back in.   Today I was lucky enough to take some time off and slow down.  I felt the breeze kiss my face and comb through my hair as I biked to my favorite tea shop.  I basked in the sun, devoured a great book, looked my husband in the eyes and got to actually TALK to him, Texas two-stepped, made banana bread, got caught up on laundry, enjoyed being there when my kids came home from school, watched my daughter at her lacrosse practice, and got caught up with some old friends.  It was a great day. It occurred to me today that I want a crock pot  kind of life.  We are living in times where we desire most things to be done like a microwave...immediate.  But, think about how awful chicken is when you  cook it in the microwave!  (My apologies to you vegetarians...)  It gets cooked, but it is rubbery and totally unsatisfying!!!  Now, put a couple of chicken breasts in a crock pot on low all day, and you've got something to look forward to!  Here are the things that make crock pot chicken better... THE THRILL OF ANTICIPATION -  Come on, you can't tell me that you aren't dying to just 'taste' the chicken throughout the day when you smell that deliciousness exuding from that tiny appliance!  Hours of waiting, smelling, and imagining how great it is going to taste make it all the sweeter when you sink your teeth into dinner. THE LAW OF ATTRACTION - That can of cream of chicken soup (or whatever you put in there with it)  melds with the chicken to create something that is just fall-apart-tasty!!! IT BRINGS OUT THE BEST - Low heat over many hours brings out the juices and the natural flavors.   My schedule will continue to be mildly (or downright) chaotic.  Today I made the decision to embrace where I am right now...to fully accept the chaos as this phase of my slow cooking process.  I am being so challenged, and know that God is using these circumstances to grow me.  So, instead of stressing about getting through this time quickly, I am going to take it all in, knowing that it is bringing out the best in me, and making me ready for all that is to come.  
Today I was lucky enough to take some time off and slow down.  I felt the breeze kiss my face and comb through my hair as I biked to my favorite tea shop.  I basked in the sun, devoured a great book, looked my husband in the eyes and got to actually TALK to him, Texas two-stepped, made banana bread, got caught up on laundry, enjoyed being there when my kids came home from school, watched my daughter at her lacrosse practice, and got caught up with some old friends.  It was a great day.

It occurred to me today that I want a crock pot  kind of life.  We are living in times where we desire most things to be done like a microwave...immediate.  But, think about how awful chicken is when you  cook it in the microwave!  (My apologies to you vegetarians...)  It gets cooked, but it is rubbery and totally unsatisfying!!!  Now, put a couple of chicken breasts in a crock pot on low all day, and you've got something to look forward to!  Here are the things that make crock pot chicken better...
  • THE THRILL OF ANTICIPATION -  Come on, you can't tell me that you aren't dying to just 'taste' the chicken throughout the day when you smell that deliciousness exuding from that tiny appliance!  Hours of waiting, smelling, and imagining how great it is going to taste make it all the sweeter when you sink your teeth into dinner.
  • THE LAW OF ATTRACTION - That can of cream of chicken soup (or whatever you put in there with it)  melds with the chicken to create something that is just fall-apart-tasty!!!
  • IT BRINGS OUT THE BEST - Low heat over many hours brings out the juices and the natural flavors.  
My schedule will continue to be mildly (or downright) chaotic.  Today I made the decision to embrace where I am right now...to fully accept the chaos as this phase of my slow cooking process.  I am being so challenged, and know that God is using these circumstances to grow me.  So, instead of stressing about getting through this time quickly, I am going to take it all in, knowing that it is bringing out the best in me, and making me ready for all that is to come.  

]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT 78BA2896533C4AF7728EE6EC7644C336 My Prayer For You... http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=857618 I just wanted to share something that has touched me so deeply as I've been studying the book of Ephesians. This is Paul's prayer for the people of Ephesus who had fallen off track in many ways.  It is so beautiful, encouraging and uplifting.  It is the prayer I want to say daily for all of the people in my life.  When I don't know what to pray, I want this prayer to be at my beck and call.  It is Ephesians 3: 16-21... "I pray that out of his glorious riches, Christ may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that he may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen."
"I pray that out of his glorious riches, Christ may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that he may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen."






]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:20:00 GMT 932FC32900B34C9296494AB2433CCF9B Ice Cream and Tax Season http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=694184 Here I am again...my 10th annual "standing at the edge of a cliff" moment.  The sky is falling.  The hurricane is about to hit...brace yourself, and hold on for the ride.  It won't be pretty, but we'll manage somehow.   These are the thoughts that have shaped 1/3 of each year for a decade of the 40 years I have been on this earth.  If you add all of those months up, I have essentially wasted 36 months of my life.  Ugh. Three years dreading and barely surviving the looming  "TAX SEASON".  Ten years ago, my dear husband, Brian, decided to leave the stress and questionable scruples of Corporate America to pursue his dream of helping people and small businesses through his own accounting business, Warrior Accounting.  Since then, he has literally touched thousands of lives through his hard work and dedication.  The only unfortunate part is that his wife has been somewhat of a worry wart, stressing about EVERYTHING, and throwing a pity party every year around this time. Well, I have had somewhat of a lightbulb moment recently, and I wanted to share it with you.  Through Philippians 4:6-7, God spoke to my heart about this matter... "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." I have decided to SAVOR tax season this year.  When I think of the word "savor", I think of the way I eat ice cream...one spoonful at a time, slowly letting my lips drag over it, melting a small amount of it with each pass.  I enjoy every morsel of that ice cream!  It takes me 5 times longer to eat ice cream than anyone else in my family, because I really enjoy the process of eating it! So, instead of taking cover and expecting the worst, I commit to: spending more time praying, being grateful, embracing moments with my family, surrounding myself with Godly people, laughing at myself, and finding creative ways to keep our family connected. Mmmm...it's tax season, you say? Mmmm...I can almost taste the stolen moments at a coffee shop mid-week with my husband.  Ooooh...I love it when the kids and I become one solid mass on the couch when the homework's done, and we all collapse together.  Yes, this smile on my face is real...it is from a woman who is grateful, who has a relationship with her Lord and Savior, and is willing to let Him guide her through the storm, savoring each step. Here I am again...my 10th annual "standing at the edge of a cliff" moment.  The sky is falling.  The hurricane is about to hit...brace yourself, and hold on for the ride.  It won't be pretty, but we'll manage somehow.   These are the thoughts that have shaped 1/3 of each year for a decade of the 40 years I have been on this earth.  If you add all of those months up, I have essentially wasted 36 months of my life.  Ugh. Three years dreading and barely surviving the looming  "TAX SEASON". 

Ten years ago, my dear husband, Brian, decided to leave the stress and questionable scruples of Corporate America to pursue his dream of helping people and small businesses through his own accounting business, Warrior Accounting.  Since then, he has literally touched thousands of lives through his hard work and dedication.  The only unfortunate part is that his wife has been somewhat of a worry wart, stressing about EVERYTHING, and throwing a pity party every year around this time.

Well, I have had somewhat of a lightbulb moment recently, and I wanted to share it with you.  Through Philippians 4:6-7, God spoke to my heart about this matter...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ."


I have decided to SAVOR tax season this year.  When I think of the word "savor", I think of the way I eat ice cream...one spoonful at a time, slowly letting my lips drag over it, melting a small amount of it with each pass.  I enjoy every morsel of that ice cream!  It takes me 5 times longer to eat ice cream than anyone else in my family, because I really enjoy the process of eating it!

So, instead of taking cover and expecting the worst, I commit to: spending more time praying, being grateful, embracing moments with my family, surrounding myself with Godly people, laughing at myself, and finding creative ways to keep our family connected.

Mmmm...it's tax season, you say? Mmmm...I can almost taste the stolen moments at a coffee shop mid-week with my husband.  Ooooh...I love it when the kids and I become one solid mass on the couch when the homework's done, and we all collapse together.  Yes, this smile on my face is real...it is from a woman who is grateful, who has a relationship with her Lord and Savior, and is willing to let Him guide her through the storm, savoring each step.
]]> Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT 4227273A1D6A89BED1B8D2B1AF7FF61C Lady Gaga and My Favorite Ballerina http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=608666 There was an instant connection when we met last March on our way to a fitness conference.  Chelsea had huge brown eyes that were filled with expectancy and strength, and her smile was filled with hope and light.  She said what was on her mind, made no apologies for her opinions, and I liked her immediately.  She was young...not even twenty.  Years of hard work combined with a natural gift for dance put her talent in the "cream of the crop" category in the ballet world. We had seen each other just once after the conference until last week, when I visited her following the two brain surgeries she had undergone in one month to remove a growth.  Still unsure of what her future might hold, she talked about going to the studio to see all of her dance compatriots.  Knowing that there would be jealousy over who got what part in the upcoming shows, who's arabesque was higher, etc...  Chelsea shared her passion to tell them, "Just DANCE!" She would have given anything to be able to fulfill her role of the "Dew Drop" in The Nutcracker that she had earned, but after her surgeries our 10 minute walk was exhausting. Ever since our visit, the chorus of , "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga keeps popping in my head... Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance Dance, Dance, Just, j-j-just What a great reminder.  Just DANCE.  Just LOVE.  Just LAUGH.  Just forget all of the dumb stuff that keeps you from experiencing each moment...each day.  Just HOPE.  Just LIVE.  Just DANCE. There was an instant connection when we met last March on our way to a fitness conference.  Chelsea had huge brown eyes that were filled with expectancy and strength, and her smile was filled with hope and light.  She said what was on her mind, made no apologies for her opinions, and I liked her immediately.  She was young...not even twenty.  Years of hard work combined with a natural gift for dance put her talent in the "cream of the crop" category in the ballet world.

We had seen each other just once after the conference until last week, when I visited her following the two brain surgeries she had undergone in one month to remove a growth.  Still unsure of what her future might hold, she talked about going to the studio to see all of her dance compatriots.  Knowing that there would be jealousy over who got what part in the upcoming shows, who's arabesque was higher, etc...  Chelsea shared her passion to tell them, "Just DANCE!" She would have given anything to be able to fulfill her role of the "Dew Drop" in The Nutcracker that she had earned, but after her surgeries our 10 minute walk was exhausting.

Ever since our visit, the chorus of , "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga keeps popping in my head...

Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance
Dance, Dance, Just, j-j-just

What a great reminder.  Just DANCE.  Just LOVE.  Just LAUGH.  Just forget all of the dumb stuff that keeps you from experiencing each moment...each day.  Just HOPE.  Just LIVE.  Just DANCE.
]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:20:00 GMT A469CF622BD70117ECDF7BE4BE7B493A Sweaty Gratefulness http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=553308 A couple of days ago I stepped out into a crisp Colorado morning and challenged myself to a jog around the neighborhood. There is a hill that I have a love/hate relationship with, and I was determined to run all of the way to the top (generally I give in to my convincing internal voice that tells me how much my lungs and legs hurt, how there is no way I can make it, etc...) As I approached the intimidating climb, I decided that I would think about all of the things I was grateful for the whole way up. This started out as a grandios prayer, thanking God for everything from the amazing, powerful sun to my fulfilling relationships with family and friends, to the military, to the Red Cross. By the time I reached 3/4 of the way up my thankfulness became much more focused on things like, "thank You that my right foot just landed in front of my left, thank You for my lungs and heart, thank You that I am getting closer"...you get the picture. When I reached the top of the hill I had the urge to throw my arms up (picture Rocky at the top of the stairs) but there were a bunch of guys working on the road right there - I didn't want them to think they needed to call 911 for the sweaty, gasping woman.  These are the things I was reminded of through this experience... It is really hard to quit when you are feeling grateful. Putting your mind in an attitude of gratitiude instead of negativity impacts how you see things, how you react, etc... The more you train the gratefulness voice inside of you the stronger it gets.  It is time for me to stop giving so much air time to my negative voice. The "negative" voice tells me I can't, and instills fear and reservation. The "gratefulness" voice looks at the positive, tells me I CAN, sees possibilities and embraces hope. One of my favorite Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."  I am working on getting my thoughts, pride and agenda out of the way for Him to equip and lead me.  I am thankful for the fact that I am a work in progress.  I am grateful that I will always be loved, no matter how much I screw up. I am thankful for the chance to sweat. I am grateful for gratefulness... A couple of days ago I stepped out into a crisp Colorado morning and challenged myself to a jog around the neighborhood. There is a hill that I have a love/hate relationship with, and I was determined to run all of the way to the top (generally I give in to my convincing internal voice that tells me how much my lungs and legs hurt, how there is no way I can make it, etc...) As I approached the intimidating climb, I decided that I would think about all of the things I was grateful for the whole way up. This started out as a grandios prayer, thanking God for everything from the amazing, powerful sun to my fulfilling relationships with family and friends, to the military, to the Red Cross. By the time I reached 3/4 of the way up my thankfulness became much more focused on things like, "thank You that my right foot just landed in front of my left, thank You for my lungs and heart, thank You that I am getting closer"...you get the picture.

When I reached the top of the hill I had the urge to throw my arms up (picture Rocky at the top of the stairs) but there were a bunch of guys working on the road right there - I didn't want them to think they needed to call 911 for the sweaty, gasping woman. 

These are the things I was reminded of through this experience...
  • It is really hard to quit when you are feeling grateful.
  • Putting your mind in an attitude of gratitiude instead of negativity impacts how you see things, how you react, etc...
  • The more you train the gratefulness voice inside of you the stronger it gets.  It is time for me to stop giving so much air time to my negative voice.
  • The "negative" voice tells me I can't, and instills fear and reservation.
  • The "gratefulness" voice looks at the positive, tells me I CAN, sees possibilities and embraces hope.
One of my favorite Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."  I am working on getting my thoughts, pride and agenda out of the way for Him to equip and lead me. 

I am thankful for the fact that I am a work in progress.  I am grateful that I will always be loved, no matter how much I screw up. I am thankful for the chance to sweat. I am grateful for gratefulness...
]]> Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:05:00 GMT 1EA5D3B9A4705D7762640E145B316904 When The Going Gets Tough: Dig Deep http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=483400 Whoa - we just returned from a trip to North Dakota where we met up with tons of our family, then headed on to Minnesota, where my husband ran his fifth marathon.  Watching him go through this experience each time makes me aware of the mental strength it takes to do something that profound.  For the average Joe, no matter how much you train, there comes a point when it becomes purely psychological.  The voices in your head start telling you how tired you are.  Everything hurts.  You feel like you can't go on any more.  (For me, that point would start at about mile 5, which is why I have not undertaken such a crazy thing.)  I just wonder how often we allow ourselves to get to that point in our lives.  We are awfully used to being "comfortable" and going the easy route.  Just listen to a few commercials, and you will quickly understand that the world revolves around you, exists to meet your every desire.  Not enough space for all of your stuff?  Just buy a new house!  Feeling down?  Eat more food...it will make you feel better!  Need to lose weight?  Just take a pill! I don't like it when life is hard...it makes me sad to see people I love going through difficult things.  I definitely don't like going through difficult things myself.  "Why does it have to be so hard?"  I have found myself asking about various things ranging from cleaning the bathroom floor (we have white grout...why do they even make such a thing?) to marriage.  God doesn't pull any punches in His promise to us that life will be hard (remember Adam and Eve?).  With free choice to accept Christ or not, we are in the driver's seat for how we deal with the frustration, heartache and pain we encounter.  We either need to buck up, or whine and complain that it's just too hard.  Watching a woman in a wheelchair, a marine dressed in his full uniform carrying flags of the USA and the Marines, an 80 year old man and my own husband "dig deep" to cross the finish line after 26.2 miles gave me inspiration to live "uncomfortably"...to find ways to grow and see the bigger picture outside of my own needs.  My desire is to stop being so selfish and start doing the hard stuff.  Something greater than anything we can imagine is waiting around the corner if we can hold on and keep moving forward, especially when the going gets tough. Whoa - we just returned from a trip to North Dakota where we met up with tons of our family, then headed on to Minnesota, where my husband ran his fifth marathon.  Watching him go through this experience each time makes me aware of the mental strength it takes to do something that profound.  For the average Joe, no matter how much you train, there comes a point when it becomes purely psychological.  The voices in your head start telling you how tired you are.  Everything hurts.  You feel like you can't go on any more.  (For me, that point would start at about mile 5, which is why I have not undertaken such a crazy thing.) 

I just wonder how often we allow ourselves to get to that point in our lives.  We are awfully used to being "comfortable" and going the easy route.  Just listen to a few commercials, and you will quickly understand that the world revolves around you, exists to meet your every desire.  Not enough space for all of your stuff?  Just buy a new house!  Feeling down?  Eat more food...it will make you feel better!  Need to lose weight?  Just take a pill!

I don't like it when life is hard...it makes me sad to see people I love going through difficult things.  I definitely don't like going through difficult things myself.  "Why does it have to be so hard?"  I have found myself asking about various things ranging from cleaning the bathroom floor (we have white grout...why do they even make such a thing?) to marriage. 

God doesn't pull any punches in His promise to us that life will be hard (remember Adam and Eve?).  With free choice to accept Christ or not, we are in the driver's seat for how we deal with the frustration, heartache and pain we encounter.  We either need to buck up, or whine and complain that it's just too hard.  Watching a woman in a wheelchair, a marine dressed in his full uniform carrying flags of the USA and the Marines, an 80 year old man and my own husband "dig deep" to cross the finish line after 26.2 miles gave me inspiration to live "uncomfortably"...to find ways to grow and see the bigger picture outside of my own needs.  My desire is to stop being so selfish and start doing the hard stuff.  Something greater than anything we can imagine is waiting around the corner if we can hold on and keep moving forward, especially when the going gets tough.
]]> Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:50:00 GMT 749FF594500F6058432C44020F59563F The Blind Leading The Blind http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=436557 Last month I had the chance to participate in something called, "The Oyster Race".  It could be compared to the Amazing Race in the way that you are given clues and specific challenges that you have to complete in order to move on to the next task. The very first challenge was called, "The Blind Leading The Blind".  I was kidnapped, along with one person from each other team.  We were blindfolded on a bus, and drove for about 10 minutes.  We were told that we would be released when our other two team members completed a puzzle.  After several minutes, my team number was called.  When I took the blindfold off and walked onto the street, I had no idea where I was at, or how to get back to my team!  I was able to communicate with them by cell phone, so we stayed connected while I ran toward where I thought they were.  Honestly, I panicked.  Instead of taking the time to find a business or somewhere to ask someone, I went with my gut feeling and started running.  Well, it turns out, I could have saved my legs quite a bit of wear and tear by taking the time to get all of the information and good directions first. Shortly after the race, I ran across this verse from Isaiah 42:16 - "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."  This verse brings me comfort and conviction all at the same time.  I know God wants to lead me...I know He is standing by, ready for me to stop trying to navigate so He can take over.  I WANT Him to take over, but I'm so darned stubborn and get side-tracked so easily.  I think that if God could roll His eyes at anyone, it would be me.  "Not AGAIN, silly child" I imagine Him saying.  "Just let go...I've got it handled."  I have to admit, there was a strength that came out of not knowing what was ahead of us...we had no idea what the next challenge would be, how long it would take, what they would ask of us...we just had to concentrate on completing the task at hand.  This is what I need to embrace in my own life.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I go into "System Overload" instead of just trusting that God will lead me where I need to be, and that all I need to concentrate on what He has given me at the moment.  This is my prayer for today... "Lord, I want to let go of all of my worries, fear, unrealistic expectations and my desire to tell You what is best.  Please help me surrender my childish ways...I know I am stubborn and hard to deal with.  I really want to follow You where You lead.  I know I get in the way all of the time.  Please forgive me.  I need Your wisdom and guidance to help me seek Your will before mine."
The very first challenge was called, "The Blind Leading The Blind".  I was kidnapped, along with one person from each other team.  We were blindfolded on a bus, and drove for about 10 minutes.  We were told that we would be released when our other two team members completed a puzzle.  After several minutes, my team number was called.  When I took the blindfold off and walked onto the street, I had no idea where I was at, or how to get back to my team!  I was able to communicate with them by cell phone, so we stayed connected while I ran toward where I thought they were.  Honestly, I panicked.  Instead of taking the time to find a business or somewhere to ask someone, I went with my gut feeling and started running.  Well, it turns out, I could have saved my legs quite a bit of wear and tear by taking the time to get all of the information and good directions first.

Shortly after the race, I ran across this verse from Isaiah 42:16 - "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."  This verse brings me comfort and conviction all at the same time.  I know God wants to lead me...I know He is standing by, ready for me to stop trying to navigate so He can take over.  I WANT Him to take over, but I'm so darned stubborn and get side-tracked so easily.  I think that if God could roll His eyes at anyone, it would be me.  "Not AGAIN, silly child" I imagine Him saying.  "Just let go...I've got it handled." 

I have to admit, there was a strength that came out of not knowing what was ahead of us...we had no idea what the next challenge would be, how long it would take, what they would ask of us...we just had to concentrate on completing the task at hand.  This is what I need to embrace in my own life.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I go into "System Overload" instead of just trusting that God will lead me where I need to be, and that all I need to concentrate on what He has given me at the moment.  This is my prayer for today...

"Lord, I want to let go of all of my worries, fear, unrealistic expectations and my desire to tell You what is best.  Please help me surrender my childish ways...I know I am stubborn and hard to deal with.  I really want to follow You where You lead.  I know I get in the way all of the time.  Please forgive me.  I need Your wisdom and guidance to help me seek Your will before mine."


]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:35:00 GMT 8B0BBC7E62A54AC4E8380A8BC653E828 Faith Is Like A Garage Sale http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=379794 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1 Decisions, decisions, decisions.  So much sorting, re-organizing, throwing away, recycling, passing on...and decision making has happened in my house the last two weeks as we have been getting ready for a garage sale.  My mom encouraged me to "clean deep"...to go through everything in the whole house, and let go of the stuff that wasn't meaningful (and even some that was) or practical.  Our house is pretty modest, and doesn't offer a lot of storage, so it really was a necessary cleansing that needed to happen if I was going to maintain my sanity. Well, I know this sounds kind of corny, but going through this whole experience was very spiritual for me.  I let go of the stress of unfinished projects and re-evaluated the meaningful things in my life.  What if we were to have a fire or a flood?  What things would I absolutely want with me?  It felt so good to pass on the things that were cluttering up our lives...I hope they are blessings to the people who now own them.  I am breathing easier because I have let go of the things that were keeping me from enjoying my life to the fullest.  I am trying this approach in every area of my life...to look with different eyes at what is working for me, what is helping me grow in my faith and using the gifts God has given me.   I want so badly to run in the path God has laid out for me, but keep wrestling with the sin that distracts me from His directiion.   My goal is to keep simplifying, to keep letting go of the guilt, expectations and...well, the "stuff" that clouds my view of what is really important.       "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1
Decisions, decisions, decisions.  So much sorting, re-organizing, throwing away, recycling, passing on...and decision making has happened in my house the last two weeks as we have been getting ready for a garage sale.  My mom encouraged me to "clean deep"...to go through everything in the whole house, and let go of the stuff that wasn't meaningful (and even some that was) or practical.  Our house is pretty modest, and doesn't offer a lot of storage, so it really was a necessary cleansing that needed to happen if I was going to maintain my sanity.

Well, I know this sounds kind of corny, but going through this whole experience was very spiritual for me.  I let go of the stress of unfinished projects and re-evaluated the meaningful things in my life.  What if we were to have a fire or a flood?  What things would I absolutely want with me? 

It felt so good to pass on the things that were cluttering up our lives...I hope they are blessings to the people who now own them.  I am breathing easier because I have let go of the things that were keeping me from enjoying my life to the fullest.  I am trying this approach in every area of my life...to look with different eyes at what is working for me, what is helping me grow in my faith and using the gifts God has given me.   I want so badly to run in the path God has laid out for me, but keep wrestling with the sin that distracts me from His directiion.   My goal is to keep simplifying, to keep letting go of the guilt, expectations and...well, the "stuff" that clouds my view of what is really important.

 

 
 
]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:15:13 GMT 6E785D8000EEAAE7D3104E7B261FBE36 Our Soldiers Standing in the Gap... http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=345003 Today has made me especially aware of the sacrifices our service men and women have made.  I have walked in a community parade, eaten cookies with friends from the neighborhood. watched my kids and their friends spend hours playing with some boxes they found on the way home from the parade, made potato salad for our evening get-together, and purchased fireworks to enjoy with some of our dear friends.  I have been thinking about how much those serving our country would love to experience these things with their families.  I can do all of these things in celebration of Independence Day without worrying about an attack, or safety of my family. I just want to say that we have to keep reminding ourselves of the honorable people who have left their families out of deep loyalty and love for our country. Their sacrifice stands in the gap for us to enjoy trivial things like potato salad and parades.  My heartfelt thank you goes to each person who has, is and will put their country above their own needs.  You are not forgotten.
I just want to say that we have to keep reminding ourselves of the honorable people who have left their families out of deep loyalty and love for our country. Their sacrifice stands in the gap for us to enjoy trivial things like potato salad and parades.  My heartfelt thank you goes to each person who has, is and will put their country above their own needs.  You are not forgotten.
]]> Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:00:00 GMT FC283548DB579FF4BD416B1588920823 Redstone Roadtrip http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=337229 Mark Twain once said, &quot;There ain't no better way to find out whether you love people or hate them, than to travel with them.&quot; This past weekend we loaded up the RV (thanks, Mom and Steve!) and Rob's pop-up and headed west on a four hour roadtrip to Redstone, Colorado for the Redstone Rally.&nbsp; I was feeling nervous excitement at the thought of spending time together as a band, and to share our message with bikers from all over the country to benefit <a href="http://Mark Twain once said, &quot;I have found that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you love people or hate them, than to travel with them.&quot; ">Project Sanctuary.&nbsp; There was an immediate sense of relaxation as we entered this beautiful sleepy town near Aspen.&nbsp; No cell service was a welcome break for all of us from our hectic lives.&nbsp; We played poolside at the beautiful Redstone Inn on Friday night, then schlepped our equipment through the pitch darkness back to the trailer.&nbsp; Note to selves:&nbsp; make sure there is sufficient lighting, or bring some HUGE flashlights!&nbsp; We ate the most delicious breakfast on the patio by the Crystal River at Cafe Redstone.&nbsp; We meandered through the town, explored the Coke Ovens (used in the coal making process) and happened upon the Redstone Stables, where we were greeted by two friendly dogs, a beautiful blonde horse who announced our arrival to the residents of the ranch, and two welcoming young ladies who explained the workings of the ranch, and introduced us to the horses and the area Mutton Busting Champion, 6 year old Bo-Bo.&nbsp; We set up in the afternoon on Saturday in the sunshine, getting ready for our afternoon show, and had buckets of rain roll over the canope covering us while we sang, &quot;Rain Down&quot; and intermittently through the show.&nbsp; We packed our t-shirts, water bottles, and equipment back up for the evening in the rain.&nbsp; Discouragement set in.&nbsp; Laughter broke through.&nbsp; We were invited to eat dinner at the Redstone Inn.&nbsp; Another amazing meal, and the sun came back out.&nbsp; We laughed until our cheeks hurt.&nbsp; We discussed our biggest fears, funniest stories, things that meant the most to us, shared stories of growing up, loneliness, fear, hope, and faith.&nbsp; We were silly, and we were deep.&nbsp; The church service on Sunday morning was completely inspirational and thought-provoking, which led to more conversation on the way home.&nbsp; I think I take the connection we share as a band forgranted at times. &nbsp; It comes so naturally...these people are as authentic as you can get, and they are so much FUN to be around.&nbsp; There are no egos...everyone pitches in, and works together so well.&nbsp; These are things I knew before the Redstone Roadtrip, but having the opportuntiy to travel together has only confirmed what a great gift this group of people is to me.&nbsp; These are people I truly love...they are like family, and I am so thankful that God has brought us together for one common purpose...to share the inspired music and message of Jesus Christ.
This past weekend we loaded up the RV (thanks, Mom and Steve!) and Rob's pop-up and headed west on a four hour roadtrip to Redstone, Colorado for the Redstone Rally.  I was feeling nervous excitement at the thought of spending time together as a band, and to share our message with bikers from all over the country to benefit Project Sanctuary.  There was an immediate sense of relaxation as we entered this beautiful sleepy town near Aspen.  No cell service was a welcome break for all of us from our hectic lives.  We played poolside at the beautiful Redstone Inn on Friday night, then schlepped our equipment through the pitch darkness back to the trailer.  Note to selves:  make sure there is sufficient lighting, or bring some HUGE flashlights!  We ate the most delicious breakfast on the patio by the Crystal River at Cafe Redstone.  We meandered through the town, explored the Coke Ovens (used in the coal making process) and happened upon the Redstone Stables, where we were greeted by two friendly dogs, a beautiful blonde horse who announced our arrival to the residents of the ranch, and two welcoming young ladies who explained the workings of the ranch, and introduced us to the horses and the area Mutton Busting Champion, 6 year old Bo-Bo.  We set up in the afternoon on Saturday in the sunshine, getting ready for our afternoon show, and had buckets of rain roll over the canope covering us while we sang, "Rain Down" and intermittently through the show.  We packed our t-shirts, water bottles, and equipment back up for the evening in the rain.  Discouragement set in.  Laughter broke through.  We were invited to eat dinner at the Redstone Inn.  Another amazing meal, and the sun came back out.  We laughed until our cheeks hurt.  We discussed our biggest fears, funniest stories, things that meant the most to us, shared stories of growing up, loneliness, fear, hope, and faith.  We were silly, and we were deep.  The church service on Sunday morning was completely inspirational and thought-provoking, which led to more conversation on the way home. 

I think I take the connection we share as a band forgranted at times.   It comes so naturally...these people are as authentic as you can get, and they are so much FUN to be around.  There are no egos...everyone pitches in, and works together so well.  These are things I knew before the Redstone Roadtrip, but having the opportuntiy to travel together has only confirmed what a great gift this group of people is to me.  These are people I truly love...they are like family, and I am so thankful that God has brought us together for one common purpose...to share the inspired music and message of Jesus Christ.
]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:32:02 GMT C9279E9638D4444FF8656FE5A34FC3B4 Intentional Faith: A Daily Deal http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=320747 I LOVE deals.&nbsp; Garage sales, second hand stores, clearance racks...you name it.&nbsp; I am fully willing to put in the extra time it takes to discover a treasure. Many times I am not aware that I needed that 'treasure&quot; until I see it, and there are times I can almost hear the angels singing, because it is such a find!&nbsp; (Okay, I made that part up, but it is pretty darned thrilling!) It was about a month and a half ago that I committed to reading the Bible daily for 30 days.&nbsp; In that time, a good friend of mine who pastors a church asked for people to commit to 30 days of prayer for his church and community.&nbsp; I told him I would. &nbsp; Let me tell you, as someone who struggles with ADD (SQUIRREL!), doing anything consistently for 30 days is really a huge challenge for me.&nbsp; I got to thinking about the importance of consistency, though. As a personal trainer,&nbsp; these are things I tell people all the time in relation to exercise: SOMETHING is better than NOTHING.&nbsp; Do something active every day. Take babysteps...once you get it in your daily routine, it will naturally become a priority. These pieces of advice point to the importance of&nbsp; making a desired action a consistent priority...a daily deal.&nbsp; Since making the decision to be more intentional about my faith through consistently reading the Bible and prayer, I have been much more aware of the Holy Spirit moving in my life.&nbsp; Songs have flowed from my mind with ease, my prayer life has been much deeper, and I have been more aware of the needs of people around me.&nbsp; I believe that each time I read the Bible, pray, worship, etc... I am getting a &quot;daily dose&quot; of the Holy Spirit, strengthening my faith, restoring hope, and giving me a peace that passes understanding.&nbsp; I have no way to explain it, other than the powerful work of Jesus.&nbsp; It's God's treasure...worth the extra investment of my time.&nbsp; Worth the extra investment of your time.&nbsp; Will you make intentional faith a daily deal with me?
It was about a month and a half ago that I committed to reading the Bible daily for 30 days.  In that time, a good friend of mine who pastors a church asked for people to commit to 30 days of prayer for his church and community.  I told him I would.   Let me tell you, as someone who struggles with ADD (SQUIRREL!), doing anything consistently for 30 days is really a huge challenge for me.  I got to thinking about the importance of consistency, though. As a personal trainer,  these are things I tell people all the time in relation to exercise:
  • SOMETHING is better than NOTHING. 
  • Do something active every day.
  • Take babysteps...once you get it in your daily routine, it will naturally become a priority.
These pieces of advice point to the importance of  making a desired action a consistent priority...a daily deal.  Since making the decision to be more intentional about my faith through consistently reading the Bible and prayer, I have been much more aware of the Holy Spirit moving in my life.  Songs have flowed from my mind with ease, my prayer life has been much deeper, and I have been more aware of the needs of people around me. 

I believe that each time I read the Bible, pray, worship, etc... I am getting a "daily dose" of the Holy Spirit, strengthening my faith, restoring hope, and giving me a peace that passes understanding.  I have no way to explain it, other than the powerful work of Jesus.  It's God's treasure...worth the extra investment of my time.  Worth the extra investment of your time.  Will you make intentional faith a daily deal with me?
]]> Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:50:00 GMT A4A062A9612A087F845B8B20028FD803 Roxborough Village - True Sense of Community http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=298953 &nbsp;&nbsp; SAAS had the honor of experiencing &quot;community&quot; the way God intended.&nbsp;&nbsp; A family who has a long history of coaching, volunteering, and giving to the community are now struggling.&nbsp; Health issue after devastating health issue have forever changed the lives the Marquez family envisioned for themselves.&nbsp; The community of Roxborough came together to raise funds for medical bills and support to warm the human spirit.&nbsp; &quot;Hands Across Roxborough&quot; was created to fill the gap for neighbors going through hard times.&nbsp; How very blessed we were to have the opportunity to share our music as a part of this event.&nbsp; We were ministered to by the sheer number of people who came out in honor of this family who is not forgotten...a family who has been continually lifted up by prayer, meals, donations, hospital visits, phone calls, and cards.&nbsp; It is a great reminder to keep our eyes open wherever we go.&nbsp; We are constantly coming in contact with people who are hurting, whether we know it or not.&nbsp; We cannot get so busy with our own lives and schedules that we forget to care about our neighbors.&nbsp; We cannot be so preoccupied with our grocery list that we fail to meet the eyes of fellow shoppers.&nbsp; My prayer is that we can see past ourselves to the needs of those around us. &nbsp; Matthew 7:12&nbsp; So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.    SAAS had the honor of experiencing "community" the way God intended.   A family who has a long history of coaching, volunteering, and giving to the community are now struggling.  Health issue after devastating health issue have forever changed the lives the Marquez family envisioned for themselves.  The community of Roxborough came together to raise funds for medical bills and support to warm the human spirit.  "Hands Across Roxborough" was created to fill the gap for neighbors going through hard times.  How very blessed we were to have the opportunity to share our music as a part of this event.  We were ministered to by the sheer number of people who came out in honor of this family who is not forgotten...a family who has been continually lifted up by prayer, meals, donations, hospital visits, phone calls, and cards.  It is a great reminder to keep our eyes open wherever we go.  We are constantly coming in contact with people who are hurting, whether we know it or not.  We cannot get so busy with our own lives and schedules that we forget to care about our neighbors.  We cannot be so preoccupied with our grocery list that we fail to meet the eyes of fellow shoppers.  My prayer is that we can see past ourselves to the needs of those around us.
 

Matthew 7:12  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

]]> Tue, 25 May 2010 02:10:00 GMT D0259340FE00E812E85EF591C962C8F0 National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Recipe http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=281948 &nbsp; I have a confession to make.&nbsp; Well, actually TWO confessions.&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; In our house, cookies rarely get baked...the cookie dough disappears before it occurs to any of us that we might want to bake some.&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; (And, PLEASE don't tell my family...)&nbsp; when I make cookie dough, I use whole wheat flour, egg whites, and 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. &nbsp; BUT, in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (this Saturday, May 15, here is a FIVE STAR recipe that I'd like to share with you.&nbsp; These cookies promise to be crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.&nbsp; Mmmm...get the milk ready! 1 cup butter, softened&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup white sugar&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 teaspoons hot water 1 cup packed brown sugar&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 cups semisweet choc. chips 2 teaspoons vanilla extract&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 cup chopped walnuts 3 cups all-purpose flour 1.&nbsp; Preheat over to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2.&nbsp; Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.&nbsp; Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.&nbsp; Dissolve baking soda in the hot water.&nbsp; Add to the batter along with salt.&nbsp; Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts (if you like nuts...personally, I leave them out.)&nbsp; Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. 3.&nbsp; Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.   I have a confession to make.  Well, actually TWO confessions.  1.  In our house, cookies rarely get baked...the cookie dough disappears before it occurs to any of us that we might want to bake some.  2.  (And, PLEASE don't tell my family...)  when I make cookie dough, I use whole wheat flour, egg whites, and 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.   BUT, in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (this Saturday, May 15, here is a FIVE STAR recipe that I'd like to share with you.  These cookies promise to be crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.  Mmmm...get the milk ready!

1 cup butter, softened                              1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar                                     2 teaspoons hot water
1 cup packed brown sugar                     1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs                                                         2 cups semisweet choc. chips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract                      1 cup chopped walnuts
3 cups all-purpose flour

1.  Preheat over to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.  Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.  Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.  Dissolve baking soda in the hot water.  Add to the batter along with salt.  Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts (if you like nuts...personally, I leave them out.)  Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.

3.  Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 21:05:00 GMT 693AAE663CC18C64F9243F7CF4C430AE Red Vines and the Bible http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=260602 &nbsp; It occured to me the other day that it would be really great if I was as addicted to reading my Bible as I am to my favorite snacking temptations.&nbsp; Put a bag of red vines in front of me, and you will be amazed how fast they disappear.&nbsp; My Bible, on the other hand, sits right next to my bed, and is the last thing I come to at the end of the day.&nbsp; More often than I'd like to admit,&nbsp; I am so exhausted that I don't take the time to delve in...it just seems like too much &quot;work&quot;.&nbsp; I am commiting to taking time EVERY DAY for the next 30 days to spend with God in His Word, while staying away from my ultimate weakness.&nbsp; Will anybody join me?&nbsp; What is your weakness?&nbsp; We can do this together...there is power in numbers, and there is power in the Holy Spirit to encourage you, and keep you on track .&nbsp; Who's on board?   It occured to me the other day that it would be really great if I was as addicted to reading my Bible as I am to my favorite snacking temptations.  Put a bag of red vines in front of me, and you will be amazed how fast they disappear.  My Bible, on the other hand, sits right next to my bed, and is the last thing I come to at the end of the day.  More often than I'd like to admit,  I am so exhausted that I don't take the time to delve in...it just seems like too much "work". 

I am commiting to taking time EVERY DAY for the next 30 days to spend with God in His Word, while staying away from my ultimate weakness.  Will anybody join me?  What is your weakness?  We can do this together...there is power in numbers, and there is power in the Holy Spirit to encourage you, and keep you on track .  Who's on board?
]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:30:00 GMT C48ACC89AAC76C28845A99D220B35818 Inaugural Deep Thoughts Post http://slingandastone.net/bloglinks.cfm?feature=1440277&postid=255611 My quirky, deep thoughts now have an outlet!&nbsp; I was always a fan of SNL's Deep Thoughts By Jack Handy, so the name seemed appropriate for a blog that comes out of my creative, fragmented brain.&nbsp; Here, you will find everything from the completely ridiculous ideas that pass through my noggin,&nbsp; life-changing questions, amazing recipes, and maybe even a great workout here and there.&nbsp; You never know quite what you will discover, but you can be sure to be entertained or challenged in some way.&nbsp; Pop back in from time-to-time to check in with me, and I'd love to hear your comments back!!!

]]> Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:17:02 GMT FA4ABD167A98E29215E766698BCB8550